Sustainability is the practice of living life in ways that maintain and protect natural resources such as water, air, soil, wetlands, and forests.
Usually, sustainability is environmentally focused. As populations continue to grow, conservation of natural resources and long-term planning are required to ensure that the needs of future generations will be met.
Some people use the term sustainability more broadly to include anything that helps protect an organization’s ability to operate. For example, companies that act sustainably often speak about their Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, activities. Many of these companies report on their Triple Bottom Line, which is their impact on the world socially, environmentally, and financially.
So, while sustainability may encompass more than environmental protection, for the companies and governments that practice sustainability, preserving natural resources is a priority. Indeed, many people believe that we all have a moral obligation to practice sustainability.